Creating a work-life balance can be tough. It is very hard to find the delicate balance between a happy boss and happy home life. There are a few things that you should do both at work and at home to create a balanced life.
Because this is such an important topic, it has been covered by groups like Mental Health America, Web M.D., Forbes, and Business News Daily. Instead of sending you all over the Internet to try and find some tips to help you manage your time and create a work-life balance we've combined them into five tips that you can create a more balanced life both at home and at work.
1. Create a Routine
One of the best routine tools to use at work is to make a list of tasks based on priority. Prioritizing your work allows you to get the most important things done and using a checklist allows you to see what you have achieved during the day. Having a daily routine will make you less stressed about what you will do each day at work.
Routines are great for home as well. They let everyone know what's going on and when. However, sometimes you need downtime too. Don't be afraid to allow yourself and your family some downtime. You can even put it on the calendar if you want to. Scheduling in downtime for you and your family is a great way to make sure you all are able to relax and bond together.
2. Telecommute
If you can telecommute to work especially on days where you are sick, your children are sick, or the commute will be extra-long due to weather or outside circumstances. Telecommuting is a great way to provide your employer with what they need while giving you some breathing room.
3. Learn to Say No
Many of us think we don't have the ability to say no at work. This results in taking on too many tasks, working overtime, and being stressed about not being able to get everything done. If there's a job you know, you won't be able to get done or that you are not suited for say no. You may be surprised at how well this is received by your employer.
It is important to learn how to say no to social events and home life events that will be too taxing as well. Maybe you have social obligations that are just too draining, or don't allow you enough time with your family in the evenings. Cutting these out will help you find balance.
4. Learn Your Employer's Policies
Learning leave, vacation, sick, and disability policies are paramount. Also, learn what telecommunication systems your company has in place. If there aren't any, you may need to ask. This will alleviate any stress if you need to use vacation or sick days or if you need to telecommute.
If you have children, learn their school's policies too. Knowing the procedure for turning in sick notes, calling out for the day, or showing up late is going to save a lot of headache for both you and them!
5. Communicate
Let your employer know what's going on. Let them know where you're at on individual projects, if you're going to be on time ahead of deadline or behind on schedule. Communicating these vital elements to your employer will alleviate stress on the job.
At home, communication is essential. This is even more so if there are a marriage and kids at home. Make sure you are letting everyone know what is going on with you. In addition, you need to know what is going on with everyone else.
Set a family meeting once a week to discuss upcoming events, stress points, things that may need planning and other elements of life that could cause stress if not well planned. This simple act will aid in your ability to find that balance between work and home.
These five steps will help you find some balance in your busy life. What are some ways that you have found a balance between work and home that weren't on our list?
You can find more tips, strategies and techniques to help keep you healthy with the 10 Holistic Approaches to Improve Your Health and Wellbeing guide at http://www.joseesmith.com/holisticapproach.
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